Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

Beautiful summer tomatoes and fresh basil are calling out for spaghetti. Spaghetti al pomodoro. But how can we make a refreshingly simple recipe of spaghetti with tomato sauce just a bit more interesting?  How, just give it a twist! Turn the pasta into a “caterpillar.”

And for more interest, exchange the recipe’s predictable pinch of red chili flakes with Korean chili threads, shilgochu 실고추, finely-sliced dried chilis that are reddish brown in color with smoky red pepper and fruity flavors, and a medium degree of heat. They are cooked in butter for about a minute to soften then tossed with the spaghetti, adding a vibrant accent to the dish.

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

Here’s the Technique

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

Ratio – 1 large tomato : 1 T. olive oil : 1 garlic clove

Cut ripe tomatoes across the equator.

Squeeze out most of the seeds by hand.

Rub cut side across large holes of a box grater into a bowl.

Add olive oil to a hot pan. Add minced garlic.

Cook for one minute over medium heat.

Add grated tomato. Pinch of sugar. Salt to taste. A few basil leaves.

Cook for 5 minutes. Stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

If using different colored heirloom tomatoes, cook each color separately.

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

How To Twist Spaghetti into a “Caterpillar”

How To Twist Spaghetti into a Caterpillar

Cook spaghetti in salted water to al dente. Drain well. Dry out the pot and add butter. Melt butter then add chili threads. Cook for about 1 minute without browning the butter. Add spaghetti back to the pot and toss with the butter/chili threads.

Insert a carving fork through a large clump of spaghetti. Lift the fork over the pot and twirl horizontally several times so that loose strands fall back to the pot and the spaghetti becomes tightly wound around the fork. Use a scissors to cut off any long strands. Slide the “caterpillar” onto the plate.

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

How to Serve

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

Top the spaghetti with tomato sauce. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Garnish with basil leaves.

Stir It Up

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

Food Network

Food Network featuring Tomatoes

#SummerSoiree is a season long franchise where Food Network editors team up with bloggers to share recipes about everyone’s favorite SUMMERTIME ingredients. This week, it’s TOMATOES.

Get inspiration from our very popular Pinterest Board with over 500,000 followers called Let’s Pull Up A Chair here. And if you’re looking for some creative TOMATO recipes, please visit my friends below.

Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist

Feed Me Phoebe: Steamed Clams with Chorizo, Tomatoes and Kale
The Mediterranean Dish: 10 Fresh Tomato Recipes with a Mediterranean Twist
The Mom 100: Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Homemade Delish: Roasted Tomato and Poblano Salsa
The Wimpy Vegetarian: Easy Summer Tomato Tart with Artichoke Spread
The Heritage Cook: Tomato and Cucumber Summer Salad (Gluten-Free)
Devour: Praise Caprese with 6 Twists on Tomato Salad
Healthy Eats: How to Use Up Your Last Batch of Fresh Tomatoes
Creative Culinary: Fresh Tomato Summer Pie
In Jennie’s Kitchen: Classic Caprese Salad
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Tomato, Peach & Melon Salad
Taste with the Eyes: For Tomato Lovers Only
FN Dish: The Best Fresh Tomato Recipes You to Make, Like, Right Now

Save

7 thoughts on “Spaghetti al Pomodoro with a Twist”

  1. Love the plating! I do like the idea of making a different sauce using different heirloom of tomatoes as these will give an enticing color combination to the food.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.